Department of Pathology

A. INTRODUCTION

Each Master of Pathology programme is a 4-year postgraduate programme with the primary objective of producing competent diagnostic pathologists for the nation. It is a clinical coursework programme in which the research component comprises less than thirty (30) percent of the whole programme of study.

This 4-year programme is divided into two stages: Stage I and Stage II.

Stage I is of one year’s duration and involves study in the four major disciplines of pathology i.e. Anatomical Pathology, Haematology, Medical Microbiology and Chemical Pathology. At the end of Stage I, the candidate will sit for an examination in these four disciplines and must pass this examination in order to proceed to Stage II of the Programme.

Stage II is of three years’ duration and involves study in the discipline of pathology of the candidate’s choice. Currently, the candidate can opt for one of the following disciplines: Anatomical Pathology, Haematology, Medical Microbiology, Chemical Pathology and Forensic Pathology. During Stage II of the Programme, the candidate will also have to undertake a research project and submit a research project report. At the end of Stage II, the candidate must sit and pass the Final (exit) professional examination in order to be awarded the degree of Master of Pathology.

The maximum duration permitted to complete the programme is seven years. The maximum duration permitted to complete Stage I is two years and the maximum duration permitted to complete Stage II is five years.

Stage I candidates undergo their training in the University of Malaya for the whole year. Stage II may be undertaken in the University or in external laboratories, e.g. Ministry of Health laboratories (commonly known as the “Open system”) or other public or private laboratories, which have been recognized (accredited) for the purpose. Time spent in the University shall be in compliance with the residency requirements of the University. Currently, candidates undergoing Stage II training in external laboratories will typically spend year 4 at the University of Malaya.

B. THE TRAINING PROGRAMME

This is a service-based, apprenticeship-type training programme and candidates are expected to be responsible for their own learning. Nevertheless, all candidates are also required to attend orientation and intensive courses as well as other relevant courses and continuous professional development activities provided by the University.

Each candidate will have a formally appointed supervisor, who will be an academic staff of the University. The supervisor is expected to be in regular contact with the candidate and to submit regular progress reports on the candidate. For candidates posted to training centres outside the University, the supervisor should liase with the supervising consultant/pathologist in the external centre on the training of the candidate and check on the progress of the candidate.

In Stage I, the candidate’s progress is also monitored through a log-book system. The log-book has to be submitted to the Head of Department of Pathology at least one month before the Part I examination.

In Stage II, the candidate is also required to plan and undertake a research project and submit a research project report. To facilitate this task all candidates are encouraged to attend a research methodology course during Year II. The research report is expected to be submitted by the end of Year III, but no later than three months before the final examination. A pass in the research project report is a prerequisite for entry to the final examination.

Topics that are common to all disciplines e.g. laboratory management, laboratory safety, quality assurance and laboratory accreditation may be covered during interdisciplinary courses at any point in the programme.

The candidate is expected to acquire a range of skills during the period of training. For each specific skill the level of competence expected will be determined. For this purpose a uniform scale of measurement of competence is adopted.

Elective postings can be undertaken when deemed necessary by the specific discipline. Where the posting is essential for the candidate to acquire necessary skills, the posting should be considered a compulsory posting. Overseas postings may be considered and shall comply with the University's regulations.

Lists of recommended reference materials (textbooks and journals) are included in this handbook. All outside centres undertaking training should have provision for access to such materials.

All centres of training should have internet and email facilities to facilitate self-directed learning and communication between supervisors and trainees.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAMME STRUCTURE FOR STAGES I & II